# What is HEVC?

HEVC, also called H.265, is a video codec that can deliver similar quality to H.264 at a noticeably lower bitrate, which means smaller video files.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/what-is-hevc · Updated 2026-10-13_

**Quick answer:** HEVC, also called H.265, is a video codec that can deliver similar quality to H.264 at a noticeably lower bitrate, which means smaller video files.

## HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265)) explained

HEVC, also called H.265, is a video compression standard published in 2013 as the successor to H.264. At the same visual quality it can often cut the bitrate by a large margin, and it handles 4K and HDR video well. iPhones record in HEVC when the camera is set to _High Efficiency_, and many Android phones offer it too.

Support is widespread but not universal. Apple devices and recent Android phones play HEVC, but Windows may need the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store (a paid add-on), and some older TVs, browsers and editing apps cannot decode it.

If a recipient says a video will not play, HEVC is a common cause. Converting a copy to MP4 with H.264 usually fixes it, at the cost of a somewhat larger file.

## HEVC vs H.264 vs AV1

| | H.264 | HEVC (H.265) | AV1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| File size at similar quality | Largest | Smaller | Often smaller still |
| Plays on | Almost every device and browser | Apple devices, recent Android phones, many newer TVs; Windows may need an add-on | Recent browsers and newer devices |
| Typical use | Sharing, older devices, social media | Phone recording, 4K and HDR video | Streaming services and web video |

HEVC is a good choice for keeping and sending your own videos when you know the other person has a fairly modern device. H.264 is the fallback that almost always works.

## Worked example: how much space HEVC saves

Exact savings depend on the camera and the scene, so here is an illustration. Imagine a 5-minute clip (300 seconds) recorded in H.264 at 20 Mbps:

300 s × 20 Mbps = 6,000 megabits. Divide by 8 to get megabytes: **750 MB**.

If HEVC reaches similar quality at, say, 12 Mbps, the same clip is 300 × 12 = 3,600 megabits, or **450 MB**. That is 300 MB less to upload, for the same five minutes.

## How to record or send video that plays everywhere

1. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose _Most Compatible_ to record H.264 instead. Some modes, such as 4K at 60 fps and HDR video, need High Efficiency.
2. For videos you have already recorded, keep the HEVC original and make an MP4 copy with H.264 for anyone who cannot play it.
3. Send the original through a download link so it is not re-compressed on the way, and mention which version is which.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is HEVC the same as H.265?

Yes. HEVC and H.265 are two names for the same video standard.

### Why won't my HEVC video play on Windows?

Windows may need the HEVC Video Extensions installed. Alternatively, convert the video to MP4 with H.264.

### Can web browsers play HEVC?

Safari can. In other browsers it depends on the device's hardware and operating system, so it is not guaranteed.

### Does converting HEVC to H.264 lose quality?

Any re-encode loses a little, and the H.264 file will usually be larger. Use a high quality setting and keep the original.